South Dakota race day

"When is this uphill going to end?!"

That was what I kept hearing around me for the first two miles of this half marathon.  Granted after it ended the rest of the 11.1 miles was flat and downhill.  But, those first two were brutal.

I ended up finishing in 1:49.  Normally I'd be bummed about that but seeing my brother, sister, and brother-in-law four times throughout the race makes the time irrelevant.  We had not planned out viewing spots prior to the race so this was a welcome surprise.  It was pretty awesome.

My next half will be in Las Vegas next month.  That will be my final race for the year.  It's going to be a big one.  It's the Rock n Roll "Strip at Night" and I'll be accompanied by my friends Mike and Bill who will also be running.  That will make for an interesting weekend.

Stay tuned next month ...

Finish line with my sister Maria, brother-in-law Rich, and brother Jorge

South Dakota Day 3

It was a rough go today when we first arrived at Mount Rushmore.  A lot of fog and cloud cover made viewing Mount Rushmore literally impossible.

But eventually the cover began to clear and I started snapping some photos.  Below you'll see how it gradually came to view.

Race day tomorrow.  More pics to come ...

Linda and I all set for tomorrow.

South Dakota Day 2

A great second day starting with breakfast at Hill City Cafe before taking a drive out to Roughlock Falls.  

We stopped along the way at Sheridan Lake and a couple outlooks to take in some views.  I'll let the pictures do most of the talking.  Tomorrow is packet pickup with a stop at Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.

More pics to come ...

Breakfast at the historic Hill City Cafe (101 years old) 

Sheridan Lake

Walking to Roughlock Falls

Roughlock Falls

South Dakota arrival

I arrived in South Dakota today and am joined this weekend by my sister, brother, brother-in-law, and good friends Mark and Linda.

We are staying in Hill City which is a quick drive to Mt. Rushmore (going Saturday), and Black Hills National Park and Custer State Park (tomorrow),   My friend Linda will be running the race with me Sunday so it's going to be nice to have a running partner this time around.

Lots of pics to come tomorrow and of course Saturday when we head to Mt. Rushmore.

En route to South Dakota

Our cabin for the weekend

View from our hilltop cabin

Lunch at Desperado's